You're sitting on the porch swing that you often frequent when hanging out with Rydel, waiting for her to arrive back home with the ice cream she'd gone to get. The boys are inside playing some video game, you can hear them from where you sit. Every so often, someone yells in protest and you can't help but giggle. Someone's losing and they're not happy about it.
A few seconds later, the door slams. Ross comes charging past you, stumbling down the steps, tumbling onto the pavement. You jump up in surprise, rushing over to him. "Ross? Are you okay?"
He groans as he stands, his face crimson. "I think so."
"Nice trip," you grin, shaking your head. "Maybe you should try staying upright."
You giggle and he follows you to the swing. "What happened in there?"
"Ellington is a dirty cheater!" he proclaims with an eye roll.
You raise your eyebrows, shaking your head. "Well, you can keep me company until Rydel comes back."
You stare down at your jeans. He makes you nervous. You've known the family for a few years now, since they moved to LA, but Ross is considered royalty at your school. He's on every poster and every girl wants him. And you get to hang out with his family. You rub your arms, moving your shirt up and down. The hem moves near your stomach, revealing a long scar. Ross notices. You immediately jump up.
He's dumb and nosy and he doesn't take no for an answer.
You sigh, sitting down. Only Rydel knows. "My ex boyfriend tried to kill me."
You nod. "I got involved with an older guy, he didn't like that I didn't want to have sex with him."
"It's my reminder that I survived."
He's quiet for a moment, then smiles, "That's kind of badass."